With a population of less than 7,500, census data shows that 1 in 10 people in Oceano struggle with poverty. But one organization is making sure families with pets don’t have to worry about vet bills.
CARE 4 PAWS, an organization dedicated to reducing pet overpopulation and improving the quality of life for the pets of families in need, recently expanded its services to San Luis Obispo County.
“We started as an animal welfare organization, but it’s really about the welfare of the pet family,” says Isabelle Gullö, CARE 4Paws Executive Director. “The human-animal bond is very important and if you’re going to help an animal, you have to look at the circumstances of that pet’s family and vice versa.”
The organization brings a mobile clinic to the Oceano community each month, offering a range of services that can cost thousands of dollars.
Fabian García-Uscanga, who lives in Oceano and owns two dogs, told me that he spent more than $1,400 on a dental service for his little dog and any other consultation can be costly.
From flea treatments to spaying and neutering, the mobile clinic provides access to community members like García-Uscanga, making veterinary care more affordable.
“These services will be useful because going to the vet these days is difficult with empty pockets,” he said.
The organization relies on donations and business sponsorships to offer free and low-cost services. At Oceano, funding comes from Petsmart Charities, which aims to address the underserved Hispanic population.
“We are one of ten organizations across the United States to receive this grant and it is specifically to support pet families in Oceano,” said Gullö, adding that any resident of the county is invited.
CARE 4 PAWS identifies those most in need of free services, including the homeless, through a sensitive process, avoiding income verification.
Gullö says this is how they plan to reduce pet overpopulation and, “Keep pets at home healthy.”
